tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38809424066925350182018-03-06T17:11:15.288+05:30Analysing usThe body&#39;s boundaries &amp; The mind&#39;s might...
Is it just us being little or is the universe Infinite?ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-52517291848517740822012-06-28T10:26:00.000+05:302012-06-28T10:26:26.430+05:30As We Sow, So Shall We Reap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">In the past few months, I have had experience in healing a few people suffering from cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer had already advanced to a stage where nothing could be done even by the medical fraternity. The doctors recommended the patients try alternative therapy. At this stage, when the patients were living the last few days of their lives, I felt it would be wrong to start healing them to 'fight' the cancer. There were many reasons for this.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Firstly, after months of suffering, a person loses the will to fight. By now, he has accepted imminent death and is awaiting it. Secondly, due to advanced age, the body has degraded enough to make it really hard to replenish the strength and quick healing ability. If one were to fight cancer at such a stage, it would only prolong their suffering. And so, what Reflexology and Reiki healing can help in, is to provide some pain relief and comfort, so at least they can sleep in peace.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One aspect I concentrated on while healing was to heal the <i>Karmas</i> done in the present life. I also prayed that death would come peacefully and attachment to the present family would be let-go easily. I believe that a violent death can carry forward to the next life, so it was very necessary to do this.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While using these therapies on the patients, I learnt some facts about their pasts. I found that although they were very good people and had spent their whole lives helping others, there had a few vices -excessive drinking was a major factor in two cases. This is when I learnt that it is not just the actions we do on others that count as <i>Karmas</i>, indulging in something (even a seemingly harmless thing) which leads to abusing our own body also counts as <i>Karma</i>. And to every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. We have to pay for whatever we do. And God or Fate decides how we pay for it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWUGWWHokHM/T-vjiyxcOCI/AAAAAAAAAGE/5DO_vfH8dac/s1600/stock-illustration-4898918-gardener-clip-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWUGWWHokHM/T-vjiyxcOCI/AAAAAAAAAGE/5DO_vfH8dac/s320/stock-illustration-4898918-gardener-clip-art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After this experience, I realized this was true for every single person who required healing, even for a small matter like knee pain or fracture. A lady who indulged a lot in food, rest and luxury, gained weight over time. This started damaging her knees. However, not yet realizing the dangers, she continued to overuse her legs for roaming around unnecessarily and now both her knees had to be operated on (not very successfully), and she's living in pain.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I looked at my past, I found that whatever little sickness or suffering I have gone through till date have also been due to some abuse of the body or mind. If my eyes were showing signs of weakness, it was because I indulged in too much T.V. and working long hours at the computer without break. If my stomach is sensitive today, it is because I had indulged too much in chocolates and fried food when I was little. If I lost some valuable possession, it points to excessive thinking and lack of mindfulness.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every small action we do is recorded in some register to be accounted for at a later date. This realization has compelled me to watch every single act I perform. Time can never be turned back, so we need to watch ourselves and prevent wrong actions, rather than trying to find a solution for them later. Following the yoga way of life is the only answer for this.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Healing people helps us to study even the subtle aspects of life. Not everyone is lucky enough to have an understanding of life that yoga and healing gives us. In these cases, Reflexology, Massage and Reiki do help counter our <i>Karmas</i>- sometimes by damage control or relief or by complete healing. One of the cancer patients I was healing was my uncle. He is no more, but after his funeral, I heard that the doctors were surprised that he went so peacefully in his sleep. They had expected a very gory and painful death because the cancer had affected his lungs. Maybe the Reiki helped, or maybe it was my uncle's good&nbsp;<i>Karmas </i>that made him go peacefully. We will never know. But one thing I know for sure now is that "As We Sow, So Shall We Reap."&nbsp;</div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-15223386371129364992012-03-26T10:28:00.000+05:302012-03-26T10:28:31.401+05:30Article in Yoga and Total Health Feb 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click on picture below to enlarge and read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFK6z1Y1540/T2_2HlL9LWI/AAAAAAAAAF0/s8BPygqgoOM/s1600/Yoga&amp;TotalHealth+Feb+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFK6z1Y1540/T2_2HlL9LWI/AAAAAAAAAF0/s8BPygqgoOM/s320/Yoga&amp;TotalHealth+Feb+2012.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yoga and Total Health is the monthly publication&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">of The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can subscribe to the magazine in India and abroad.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For more details write to: bookstore@theyogainstitute.org</div><div style="text-align: center;">Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://theyogainstitute.org/">http://theyogainstitute.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blog:&nbsp;<a href="http://theyogainstitutemumbai.blogspot.in/">http://theyogainstitutemumbai.blogspot.in/</a></div><br /></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-76033110070297568612011-12-05T10:16:00.002+05:302011-12-05T10:19:32.101+05:30Swami Vivekananda on Karma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjw09miLFsQ/TtxNKmdufMI/AAAAAAAAAFE/PtNK5zdne6M/s1600/vivekananda_seated_midsize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjw09miLFsQ/TtxNKmdufMI/AAAAAAAAAFE/PtNK5zdne6M/s1600/vivekananda_seated_midsize.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"All the work you do is done for your own salvation, is done for your own benefit. God has not fallen into a ditch for you and me to help Him out by building a hospital or the like. He allows you to work not in order to help Him but that you may help yourself. Do you think even an ant will die for want of your help? Most arrogant blasphemy! The world does not need you at all...Cut out the word 'help' from your mind. You cannot help; it is blasphemy. You worship. When you give a morsel of food to a dog, you worship the dog as God. He is all and is in all."</div><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Vivekananda">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Vivekananda</a><br /><br /></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-33900942599526481602011-11-23T13:43:00.000+05:302011-11-23T13:43:19.839+05:30Suffering from White Heads?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8ji1HZQmA/TsyphFSaDII/AAAAAAAAACc/epb3O6mW3eE/s1600/white-head-pimple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8ji1HZQmA/TsyphFSaDII/AAAAAAAAACc/epb3O6mW3eE/s200/white-head-pimple.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I used to suffer a lot from White Heads. This was not just due to hormonal changes in the body, but as I later realized, one of the major factors that made them worse was my diet.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Being very fond of chocolates, I used to eat one almost every day. This caused a lot of ‘chemical imbalance’ in the body, leading to not just white heads but also to allergies.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many of you who must be suffering from the same might know that white heads don’t look good, can increase in size to resemble a boil and can even be painful. One challenge I faced in tackling my problem was that I cannot use scented creams. Unfortunately it is difficult to get unscented creams around here. So the only other choice (I thank my stars for it) is to find home remedies for the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Through my research I found that there are a few possible causes for white heads:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hormonal changes in the body</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Accumulation of hardened sebum (oil) in pores of the skin</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Exposure to sun and dirt</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lack of hygiene</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Unhealthy lifestyle, disturbed sleep, unhealthy food.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Impurities in the blood.</li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>These are a few tips for Diet changes:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Always stick to seasonal, nutritious food with lots of fibre, including fruits and green leafy vegetables. They will never fail you in any condition under the sun.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Drink adequate water.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Include food with Zinc, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin A like spinach, pumpkin seeds, beans, tofu, carrots, apricots, sprouts, alfa-alfa seeds, brown rice, potato, yoghurt mushrooms, green beans, sunflower seeds, whole grain foods, legumes, turnip greens, beets, lotus stems, radish leaves, papaya, raisins etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Avoid non-vegetarian, fried, fatty and junk food.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Avoid alcohol, caffeine, pastries, chocolates and soft drinks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Home Applications for White Heads<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Rub your face with lemon skin and wash off. It helps open the pores.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Take facial steam once a week to prevent whiteheads.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Make a paste of sandalwood and rose water. Apply on affected area and wash off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Apply paste of Fenugreek leaves in water over face every night and wash with warm water.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Take 50 ml raw milk, add a mix of a pinch of salt and 2 tsp lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps clean the deep pores of the skin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Beware of:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Left-over make-up on skin at night.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Excessive use of chemical cosmetics.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Squeezing the white head (If you do so, it will spread on the face and even leave scars)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Stress</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Must Do’s</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>De-stress through relaxation techniques and massage or reflexology once a week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Exercise on a regular basis.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This may sound like a lot, but is actually very simple to follow. All you need to do is start with any one of the above tips and make a regular and healthy habit out of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Slowly you will notice the improvement… as I have.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Stay Well!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Ankita Shah.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>(Director &amp; Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy, Yoga Teacher, Writer, Reflexologist, Massage Trainer and Reiki Master)</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">(As published in Pristine Senses Academy blog</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://pristinesensesacademy.blogspot.com/2011/11/suffering-from-white-heads.html" style="text-align: left;">http://pristinesensesacademy.blogspot.com/2011/11/suffering-from-white-heads.html</a>)</div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-30479289544878487142011-11-21T11:29:00.000+05:302011-11-21T11:29:37.573+05:30Article in Yoga and Total Health Sept 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click on the pic to enlarge and read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOzBG7aYy18/TsnnJ1f8bYI/AAAAAAAAAE8/16UW94qNUd0/s1600/Break+Free+Sept+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOzBG7aYy18/TsnnJ1f8bYI/AAAAAAAAAE8/16UW94qNUd0/s320/Break+Free+Sept+2011.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yoga and Total Health is the monthly publication&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">of The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can subscribe for the magazine in India and abroad.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For more details email: info@theyogainstitute.org</div><div style="text-align: center;">Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://theyogainstitute.org/" style="text-align: left;">http://theyogainstitute.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blog:&nbsp;<a href="http://theyogainstitutemumbai.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: left;">http://theyogainstitutemumbai.blogspot.com/</a></div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-75294548710143815882011-10-31T12:06:00.000+05:302011-10-31T12:06:14.966+05:30How to tackle Acid Reflux<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When teaching in the 7 Day Health Camp in The Yoga Institute, Santacruz this month, a camper approached me to know about how to tackle his problem of acid-reflux. Acid Reflux is a very common problem many of us face. It in fact becomes very worrisome due to the amount of discomfort it creates if not tackled on time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Coincidentally, I am very familiar with this condition myself as I suffered from it during a stressful time in my life.&nbsp;It started as a burning sensation coming up towards the throat, an uncomfortable feeling after meals and later it affected my throat very badly. I would get sudden bouts of dry choking cough. It went on to such an extent that I visited an ENT specialist. He told me that the acid reflux was irritating my throat and that my throat and voice box.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>How does acid reflux occur?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Do1ROs5MKQk/Tq4_-_QkopI/AAAAAAAAAE0/xpM1Fb6H2yo/s1600/digestive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Do1ROs5MKQk/Tq4_-_QkopI/AAAAAAAAAE0/xpM1Fb6H2yo/s200/digestive.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the entrance of the stomach, there is a valve that prevents food from coming up from the stomach back into the food pipe. Sometimes, due to &nbsp;reasons like stress, this valve fails to do its job. The acid moves up the food pipe, leading to burning sensation and especially over time, leads to choking, heartburn, muscle spasms etc.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I later visited The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai and ended up doing the teacher’s training course there. Upon living the lifestyle there I found a great amount of change in my health. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Firstly, I became completely aware of <b>what food caused immediate reflux</b>. These are:</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Tea/ Coffee</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Biscuits</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Packaged/ Processed food- especially potato chips</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-385lBTyr9tE/Tq4-bzmIhHI/AAAAAAAAAEk/cLDP8LOHnEk/s1600/ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-385lBTyr9tE/Tq4-bzmIhHI/AAAAAAAAAEk/cLDP8LOHnEk/s200/ice+cream.jpg" width="95" /></a><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Chocolates</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cheese</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Raw Onions</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Garlic</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spicy food like <i>Sambhar</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Fried food like <i>Samosa</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ice-cream</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The above list might look depressing but actually I felt really great after avoiding them. I found some healthy alternatives to some of them. Instead of tea, I now drink green tea which is made in warm water, has anti-oxidant properties and is also refreshing. Instead of biscuits with my tea, I have some of the healthier options like our very own Gujarati <i>Khakhras</i> or <i>Theplas </i>or <i>Chana </i>and dry-fruits in limited quantities. I find that well cooked or sautéed onions don’t affect me and believe it or not, I almost vomit now at the thought of ice-cream or processed food like some well known brands of chips and balls etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Note: I have found that certain fruits like grapes and pineapple also cause reflux, so be aware of what you eat and watch your reaction to different foods.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Some more lifestyle tips that have worked for me:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></span>Never stay hungry over long periods of time. Eat fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Don’t over-eat, even healthy food can cause reflux if you do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Avoid lying down immediately after meals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Slow walking and then sitting in <i>Vajrasana </i>immediately after meals is advised. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When you sleep, keep more pillows under your head and upper torso to keep it inclined.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->First thing after getting up in the morning, drink 2 glasses of lukewarm water. This helps in digestion and elimination.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Have fresh breakfast soon after waking up in the morning. Avoid fried and packaged food for breakfast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adyahHHxPiQ/Tq4_WLzepUI/AAAAAAAAAEs/MnxZweSlXJs/s1600/vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adyahHHxPiQ/Tq4_WLzepUI/AAAAAAAAAEs/MnxZweSlXJs/s1600/vegetables.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Asanas<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><i>Asanas </i>that help are those which improve digestion and elimination:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><i>Vajrasana, Pavanmuktasana, Supta-Vakrasana, Hastapadangustasana, Konasana, Yoga Mudra, </i>and such <i>Asanas </i>which involve abdominal compression. Practice of <i>Yoni Mudra</i> helps keep control over our senses.<i> <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;">Relaxation <i>Asanas</i> like <i>Savasana, Makarasana, Dradasana, Nispandabhava</i> are very important as they help reduce stress, one of the main causes of reflux.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;">However, make sure you practice <i>Asanas</i> at an empty stomach- early in the morning or at least two hours after a meal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Pranayamas<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;">The <i>Pranayama</i> that helps the most is <i>Yogendra Pranayama IV</i> which is abdominal breathing. It stimulates digestion and elimination. All other <i>Pranayamas</i> also help in keeping the body energies balanced.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;">If we start applying these few changes in our lifestyle, a step at a time, we will start feeling a world of difference in our health. And good health leads to a positive and happy attitude.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify;">Stay Well!!</div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-78843009276160575922011-10-13T12:26:00.000+05:302011-10-13T12:26:30.448+05:30Article in Yoga and Total Health July 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Click on pic to enlarge and read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-803TFhvg3s4/TpaLZgZC66I/AAAAAAAAAEU/-URH1g54b_U/s1600/July+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-803TFhvg3s4/TpaLZgZC66I/AAAAAAAAAEU/-URH1g54b_U/s320/July+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yoga and Total Health is a monthly publication of&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Yoga Institute, Santacruz,&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mumbai, India.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-90406099793152815542011-10-07T19:45:00.000+05:302011-10-07T19:45:04.990+05:30Article in Yoga and Total Health June 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Click on the pic to enlarge and read.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yH2taO5AVCg/To8JB3oEHfI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/gJuFjEHpIro/s1600/June+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yH2taO5AVCg/To8JB3oEHfI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/gJuFjEHpIro/s320/June+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yoga and Total Health is a monthly magazine published by&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-57272482870186088242011-09-12T10:19:00.000+05:302011-09-12T10:19:09.173+05:30Article in Yoga and Total Health March 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Click on the pics to enlarge and read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I277meo3KE8/Tm2O5o5MJ4I/AAAAAAAAAEI/msX5M1Mdu8Y/s1600/March+2011+pg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I277meo3KE8/Tm2O5o5MJ4I/AAAAAAAAAEI/msX5M1Mdu8Y/s320/March+2011+pg1.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPUrahlOq_Y/Tm2O84kBmsI/AAAAAAAAAEM/anjPsVXc4Tg/s1600/March+2011+pg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPUrahlOq_Y/Tm2O84kBmsI/AAAAAAAAAEM/anjPsVXc4Tg/s320/March+2011+pg2.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Yoga and Total Health' is a monthly magazine published by The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai, India.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-34755218619897117962011-09-07T13:35:00.000+05:302011-09-07T13:35:50.289+05:30Article in Yoga and Total Health Feb 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click on the pictures to enlarge and read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujS0ZUPGKTQ/TmclUtPt-yI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Wi0fJlqwU3w/s1600/Feb+2011+pg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujS0ZUPGKTQ/TmclUtPt-yI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Wi0fJlqwU3w/s320/Feb+2011+pg1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2WSegk1ZAc/TmclZ3nQG3I/AAAAAAAAAD8/bewCMi5On3k/s1600/FEb+2011+pg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2WSegk1ZAc/TmclZ3nQG3I/AAAAAAAAAD8/bewCMi5On3k/s320/FEb+2011+pg2.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note: Yoga and Total Health is a magazine published by The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai, India.</div><br /></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-8902110873668953692011-08-29T17:25:00.000+05:302011-08-29T17:25:36.926+05:30I Learnt Karma Yoga from a 4 Year Old<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 25px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">"Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each." &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 28px;">- Plato</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 25px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgZpLxgxbIY/Tlt8WlZ3LDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ymj2fQVgebU/s1600/loving-children-clip-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgZpLxgxbIY/Tlt8WlZ3LDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ymj2fQVgebU/s320/loving-children-clip-art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Teaching yoga to very young children is generally not advised, but I have a four year old student to whom yoga was recommended by her doctor; and teaching her has been the most harrowing and most enlightening experience of my life.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This child is sometimes so enthusiastic, that I have to keep up with her changing ideas. She gets tired of one thing very fast and moves on to another. This keeps me very alert, constantly on the lookout for changing moods.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She is also moody and sometimes just sticks her thumb in her mouth, lies down and refuses to move. No amount of coaxing or scolding can shake her. In fact, that only instigates her more. What I slowly learnt was that being her friend, rather than a teacher worked better for the both of us. A lot of flexibility and patience is required on the teacher's part.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No kid likes to be ordered around all the time. They need someone to listen to them and humour them. We need to give them a bit of free hand, let their creativity blossom, ask them to invent fun <i>Asanas </i>of their own. If they get carried away, enthusiastically bring the attention back to some aspect of yoga like it's a game.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My student's mother once told me, "She looks forward to your class because it is one class she feels is for herself." This really helped build my self-esteem. This girl was my first student. I had never dreamed of teaching children and wasn't sure I knew how. In the beginning, it was pretty rough. I didn't know how to keep things lively, to catch her attention. Scolding her, being strict would impact her very strongly as she is extremely sensitive to negativity. I did not want to hurt her, but how to continue like this? Many times, I didn't feel like going to class. I almost picked up the phone and cancelled it many times.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, something in my heart told me to keep trying. Be creative, I told myself. "But I'm not creative, I'm very practical!" my mind argued. But I realized that was just an excuse. I thought of different ways to teach, did some research online, found interesting stories with morals, learnt new games. I started getting small gifts like <i>channa</i>, or almonds as a surprise and explained how and when to eat them, why they were good for health. These tiny surprises also excited her so much.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today, I am confident that no matter what mood she would be in, whether crying, sleepy, angry, happy or distracted, I can spend some positive time with her and teach her something worthwhile.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I remind myself to always be interested and encouraging in whatever small thing she does and praise every small achievement. Positivity and enthusiasm always work better than scolding and putting them down for not behaving.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Because of my first student, I can now easily make friends with any kid I come across; and to tell you the truth, they are the best company to have- full of innocence, non-judgmental, enthusiastic, joyful and they have perfect concentration an observation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Karma Yoga is all about concentration, constant improvement, creativity and joy in work. And so,&nbsp;I learnt Karma Yoga from a 4 year old and even today, I play, jump, crawl, chat, draw, stick, water plants and learn from my little teacher.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-25602175229663731722011-07-27T13:46:00.001+05:302011-09-07T13:31:39.357+05:30Joint Pain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In the monsoons, I find many people complaining about joint pain and body ache. As mentioned in my earlier blog on body ache, it is possible for one of the causes to be vitamin deficiency. However, this would be a long term pain, generally accompanied with spasms in muscles. Another reason could be cold and wet.<br /><br /><u>Cold</u><br /><u><br /></u><br />Sleeping in strong A/C can make the joints stiff and body cramped. Sleeping directly under the fan can be very harmful for the body. Both these factors can even create blockages in the sinuses.<br /><br />In any case it is quite cold in the rainy season, so if you keep your windows open for ventilation, it should suffice when you sleep at night. But, if that's still not enough, you can switch on the A/C for a while, let the room cool and then switch it off before you sleep. Fan is a complete No No, especially when you are directly under it.<br /><br />Also, avoid walking bare footed on cold marble. The cold will radiate through the feet to the body and cause the joints and muscles to pain.<br /><br /><u>Wet</u><br /><u><br /></u><br />No matter what the cause of joint pain, never leave them wet. Wet means cold and that will make the body cramp in an effort to keep you warm. Dry your feet, knees, hands etc if they get wet in the rain.<br /><br />Even when sleeping, make sure that the joints are kept nice and warm. Applying a bit of Vicks on the soles of the feet can be helpful, but avoid being dependent on it.<br /><br />Avoid getting into a swimming pool or bath tub when already wet. Especially before entering a swimming pool, we take a shower. By all means do not miss this shower as it ensures hygiene, but dry yourself first and then enter the swimming pool. This will prevent knee problems. (This I was told by a successful Homeopathic doctor).<br /><br />So these are a few tips for Joint Pain...hope they are useful.<br /><br />Let me know if there is any particular topic you'd like info on. (Write in the comments box)<br /><br />Stay Well !</div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-32790515699829991622011-07-06T09:51:00.001+05:302011-07-06T09:54:10.123+05:30Prevent Flu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3g4Vofrj8P4/ThPjT17Vz6I/AAAAAAAAADQ/axmQ9eecXvw/s1600/flu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3g4Vofrj8P4/ThPjT17Vz6I/AAAAAAAAADQ/axmQ9eecXvw/s320/flu.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>Almost everyone I know is coming down with the flu. If one person in the family catches it, the others soon follow. We have so many natural ways to prevent and combat this flu. If we are aware of them, we can forget our fears and be confident that we will be able to handle whatever comes our way.<br /><br /><b>Awareness</b><br />The first and foremost thing to do is to be aware. Make sure that people around you are not infected. If they are, and you have no choice but to be close to them, make sure that you do not touch anything that could be infected by them. eg. do not use the same napkin to wipe your face, do not use the same glass/bottle to drink water from, do not share the food from the same plate.<br /><br />Watch your own body. Does anything seem out of the ordinary? Does your throat pain or irritate even a little? Do you feel heavy in the head as though the sinuses are clogging up? BE AWARE so that if you find anything amiss, you can take immediate action.<br /><br /><b>Observe Hygiene</b><br />Wash your hands before every meal, use a handkerchief if you cough or sneeze. If anyone around you is not using a handkerchief for the same, feel free to tell them. Better safe than sorry.<br /><br /><b>Sore Throat</b><br />If you find that the throat is slowly being affected, take action immediately. Drink warm water, do Kapalarandhradhouti. Make the following mixture:<br /><br />Neem powder- 25 gms<br />Tusli powder - 25 gms<br />Adusol powder - 25 gms<br />Amla powder - 25 gms<br /><br />Buy these powders separately (do not buy a ready mixture). They will be available in any ayurvedic shop.<br />Mix these powders, take a teaspoonful, mix with required amount of honey (1tsp) and have the mixture thrice a day. This will help prevent/cure sore throat.<br /><br />In case of lots of cough in chest, keep a hot water bag on chest for some time. It will loosen up the cough. Then lie the left hand side so that the cough can come out easily. (Left side so that the Pingala/right nostril is open- helps heat the body).<br /><br /><b>In case of Cold</b><br />Take regular steam<br />Kapalarandhradhouti<br />Mix ginger (sooth) powder with hot water and apply paste on the face. It burns on the face but generally does not affect the skin. It melts cough in the sinuses.<br />(Note: People with very sensitive skin avoid this mixture)<br /><br />Do try these few tips. If you feel you need medicine/antibiotics, you can follow the above in any case. It will complement the medical treatment.<br /><br />Any questions, you are welcome to ask.<br /><br />Stay Well!</div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-36378563267526194142011-06-29T14:19:00.004+05:302011-09-07T13:30:56.871+05:30Body Ache? Check your Vitamins levels!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Do you feel tired when you wake up in the morning? Are your energy levels reducing by the end of the day? Do you feel pain in your limbs, as though the pain is in the bones themselves?</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many youngsters these days are suffering from inexplicable body aches and pains. They are seemingly healthy individuals who are not suffering from disease, are pronounced fine by doctors and yet they get body stiffness and pain in their body. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It has been found that a maximum number of youngsters between the age of 16 and 26 suffer from Vitamin D deficiency due to wrong lifestyle and food habits. Vitamin deficiency is so silent that is goes unnoticed most of the times and when it shows itself in symptoms like body pain, we mistake it for fatigue or other diseases. If it goes undetected, the symptoms increase in intensity.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Prolonged Vitamin D deficiency can lead to:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 34.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>Osteomalacia in adults, where the bones become thin and brittle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 34.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>Muscular weakness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 34.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>Osteoporosis, where there is thinning of bone tissues and age related degeneration.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 34.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span>Studies show that it may even cause diabetes, cancer, cardiac problems, neuromuscular and brain disorders. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 34.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>In children, it can lead to rickets, where the bones are weakened.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So How Do We Regain All the Lost Vitamin D?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sun<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sunbathing in the morning and evening time is recommended in Yoga and Naturopathy. This is a time when the sun’s rays are soft and have healing powers. Avoid sunbathing in the afternoons when sun rays are harsh as that is when the harmful UV rays are most intense.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">However, in most urban areas like Mumbai, it is almost impossible to actually sunbathe. There is so much pollution 24x7 that it forms a layer blocking the healing rays of the sun. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So which other sources can provide us with Vitamin D?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Milk<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Bathing with raw milk is advised as it not only provides vitamins but also is an excellent exfoliant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Consuming milk and its products like cottage cheese, ghee, buttermilk etc. is an excellent way to stock up of Vit D.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Injections/ Supplements<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For those of you who are vagan, you have the option of getting regular Vit D shots from the doctor or have supplements.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Vitamin supplements as such have no side effects. However, ask your doctor when is the best time to take the supplements. Generally vitamins are best taken with breakfast but if you are also taking supplements for iron etc, you have to avoid certain vitamin combinations with it. So know your supplements well before taking them, or they will have an adverse effect on you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exercise and Pranayama<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Apart from the above mentioned sources, many regular vegetables have minute quantities of Vit D which can be absorbed by the body.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Absorption capacity of the body improves if there is a regular exercise and pranayama regime. It does not mean you have to spend 1 to 2 hours a day doing rigorous exercise. Even a regular 15 minutes of basic asanas and pranayamas daily is enough to keep you healthy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So any of you suffering from Vit D deficiency symptoms, go get a blood test, check all your vitamin levels, and start on this regime right away. While those of you who don’t have these symptoms, might as well incorporate these few healthy changes for prevention. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Stay Healthy!</div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-33657612542363214552011-04-11T11:06:00.001+05:302011-04-11T11:07:49.757+05:30Fighting Corruption Within<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/57/Anna_Hazare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/57/Anna_Hazare.jpg" /></a>There is a great movement going on under Anna Hazare's guidance. I heartily support his cause.<br /><br />Fighting corruption is not easy and it needs real guts to fight a powerful corrupt government.<br /><br />However, I wonder how many of us who support him and are fighting against a corrupt government, are actually honest ourselves.<br /><br />If we fight a cause, we need to believe in it completely. How many of us have not broken a single traffic signal ever in our lives, how many have not given bribe to the traffic police? How many of us have not paid a peon extra to get our work done quickly in college? How many of us have not used influence/ contacts to get admission in college or a job?<br /><br />How many of us completely deal in white when doing business and show our complete records honestly for income tax? How many of us silently add our own commission when doing a favour for a friend?<br /><br />Well, what's done is done, but the way ahead looks more hopeful. For starters I admit that I have not been honest in my dealings and I vow to never do it again. The only way ahead is to be honest to yourself. So go ahead, first admit your own follies. Confess and redeem yourself. Then we will really be fighting a just cause.<br /><br />Anna Hazare Zindabad!<br /><br /></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-39428581108390532762011-01-13T14:23:00.000+05:302011-01-13T14:23:13.394+05:30The Story of The Yoga Institute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS68tJzhSkI/AAAAAAAAACo/qc80HKNOL_0/s1600/YTH+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS68tJzhSkI/AAAAAAAAACo/qc80HKNOL_0/s320/YTH+1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS680G7RVbI/AAAAAAAAACs/ps7gGwRpvIw/s1600/YTH+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS680G7RVbI/AAAAAAAAACs/ps7gGwRpvIw/s320/YTH+2.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS686-FPEEI/AAAAAAAAACw/PqykYXhmCkk/s1600/YTH+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS686-FPEEI/AAAAAAAAACw/PqykYXhmCkk/s320/YTH+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS69Aqr1GoI/AAAAAAAAAC0/48vPbJlV674/s1600/YTH+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS69Aqr1GoI/AAAAAAAAAC0/48vPbJlV674/s320/YTH+4.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-77796418680118821272011-01-12T12:30:00.002+05:302011-09-07T13:29:28.546+05:30Article in Yoga and Total Health Jan 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS1Rg69vDOI/AAAAAAAAACk/oGaS8JAT3OE/s1600/YTH+Jan+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TS1Rg69vDOI/AAAAAAAAACk/oGaS8JAT3OE/s320/YTH+Jan+2011.jpg" width="242" /></a></div></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-1728321839790629742011-01-11T16:04:00.002+05:302011-01-12T09:57:16.193+05:30How to clean Dirty Water!!This is the water I was receiving at my house yesterday.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TSwx28d4RRI/AAAAAAAAACc/BxJ4p7-GgXA/s1600/dirty+water+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TSwx28d4RRI/AAAAAAAAACc/BxJ4p7-GgXA/s320/dirty+water+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TSwx0OCjnPI/AAAAAAAAACY/l_JOos1itrw/s1600/dirty+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TSwx0OCjnPI/AAAAAAAAACY/l_JOos1itrw/s320/dirty+water.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The condition has not improved much today. When we called the BMC, they said the colour was because of a new chemical that they put in to treat the water.<br /><br />Seriously?<br /><br />A chemical that makes the water look like this and taste like mud?<br /><br />Please be careful of the water you drink. This time, we could see the impurities. But that's not the case every time.<br /><br />Boil your water before use. (If possible, boil it twice before drinking).<br /><br />Getting packaged/ mineral water from shops is not much use according to me as the water plants have the same water source as ours- the BMC.<br /><br />A cool option for cleaning water is to take a little bit of Potassium Alum- known as fatakadi in Gujarati. (You get quite a lot in just Rs. 10) Take it in your hand and immerse in the bucket of water and move it around.<br /><br />THE WATER CLEARS IN SECONDS!! Dirt settles down and you can take the clean water from top.<br /><br />This method was widely used (and perhaps still is) in the villages to clean the water drawn from wells.<br /><br />Try it. And let me know if it works for you!<br /><br />Stay Healthy!ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-5119914995161559892011-01-05T16:00:00.000+05:302011-01-05T16:00:54.383+05:30Am I a Sincere Student of Yoga?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TSRIFymcTHI/AAAAAAAAACQ/odsSWeoXYtU/s1600/persistence.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TSRIFymcTHI/AAAAAAAAACQ/odsSWeoXYtU/s320/persistence.gif" width="320" /></a></div>I have been blessed to have access to some of the most senior <i>Sadhakas </i>at The Yoga Institute. They have been pursuing Yoga since more than 30 years, and due to my interest in helping out with activities and other lucky circumstances, I ended up being invited to the meetings they have for helping each other progress in their practice of Yoga.<br /><br />One day we were discussing on the topic, "How do I believe I am a sincere student of Yoga?"<br /><br />Most of us claimed that we were not as sincere as we should be. We were lazy, or lost our balance of mind many times, did not practice asanas religiously with the right attitude etc.<br /><br />However there was one Sadhaka who said, "There is nothing like a sincere or insincere student of Yoga. There is only a Student of Yoga."<br /><br />We cannot reach Samadhi so easily. It may take lifetimes. But what is important, is progress in our mental, spiritual and household aspects.<br /><br />Our Guru, Dr. Jayadeva nodded and said, "Religiously trying, never giving up,&nbsp;persistence," are a few qualities we should have. Keep doing good deeds, keep good company. Keep trying. Progress will follow on its own.<br /><br />Whenever I see Dr. Sahab or hear him say a few words, I find will power to be disciplined in my practice. That is why I keep going to such meetings (Satsangs).ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-8497615433658670962010-12-15T15:11:00.000+05:302010-12-15T15:11:03.217+05:30Article in Life Positive Magazine, Dec 2010 issue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TQiMYOa13WI/AAAAAAAAACI/1dVRjkabnPk/s1600/LP+article+Dec+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TQiMYOa13WI/AAAAAAAAACI/1dVRjkabnPk/s640/LP+article+Dec+2010.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-88874196873401981972010-10-14T11:35:00.001+05:302010-10-14T11:37:47.208+05:30Positive Points<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TLadcwAcdrI/AAAAAAAAACE/7clg0hLXU8k/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TLadcwAcdrI/AAAAAAAAACE/7clg0hLXU8k/s200/writing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span class="UIStory_Message">&nbsp;Life is full of good and bad,</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span class="UIStory_Message"><br />That need not make you and me sad.</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span class="UIStory_Message"><br />There's a whole lot of good all around</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span class="UIStory_Message"><br />We just need to search till it is found.</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span class="UIStory_Message"><br />So if you want to make life happy and gay,</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span class="UIStory_Message"><br /><span class="text_exposed_show">Write 10 positive points every single day. </span></span></h3>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-1586280153269264682010-08-04T14:11:00.001+05:302010-08-04T14:12:06.466+05:30Eco-friendly Spree<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TFkniwamy-I/AAAAAAAAAB0/x92KFBP4rnc/s1600/Calendar+drawing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TFkniwamy-I/AAAAAAAAAB0/x92KFBP4rnc/s200/Calendar+drawing2.jpg" width="200" /></a>July has gone and August is here,<br />I wonder how time runs so fast.<br />I look across to the calender I keep near,<br />And I tear off July and away do the paper cast.<br /><br />"Wait," says the paper, "keep me with you still.<br />And pray consider not to cast me away.<br />Behind me I'm blank, lots of space to fill,<br />Use me to the fullest, for longer let me stay."<br /><br />I picked up the large paper, and folded it well, <br />And cut it into equal pieces and kept it with me.<br />This paper will live a bit longer to tell<br />How it convinced me to go on an eco-friendly spree.ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-631022726914889162010-07-22T12:23:00.002+05:302010-07-22T12:29:52.162+05:30Hydration & Drinking Water- Cautions<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">As I said earlier, warm water is very good for health. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEfq0-Mvy9I/AAAAAAAAABs/II1rgbdKwro/s1600/drinking+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEfq0-Mvy9I/AAAAAAAAABs/II1rgbdKwro/s200/drinking+water.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We should drink enough water throughout the day to keep ourselves hydrated. However there some facts to consider and some cautions when it comes to drinking water:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>Avoid drinking water immediately before and after meals:</b> It is better to drink water around half hour before a meal &amp; drink half a glass of warm water after meals. This aids in digestion.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>Too much drinking water can be harmful:</b> Many people tend to believe that bottles and bottles of water are good for health. But if you drink too much plain water, the essential electrolytes of the body get washed out and this can cause trouble with your nerves. Have a glass or two of lemon juice (with salt and sugar etc) or other hydrating drinks like herbal tea in between.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3. <b>Have juicy fruits and veggies</b>: Drinking water is not the only way to keep yourself hydrated. Veggies like cucumber, tomato, green leafy veggies etc and fruits have enough water content and also useful fibre. Make it a habit of having them once or twice during the day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4. <b>After workouts and massage treatments:</b> It is necessary to hydrate yourself before and after physical exercise and treatments. Herbal drinks are the best for this as they have essential salts and herbs.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, too much of anything can be harmful, even something as innocent as drinking water.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Stay Healthy!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-26100804842776376652010-07-21T10:54:00.005+05:302010-07-21T11:02:09.684+05:30Water- the miraculous cure for most digestion problems<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CANKITA%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><style>
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</style><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">“When does one feel happiness?” asked the Naturopath. “When we are satisfied?” I asked rather than answered. Shaking his head, he smiled and replied, “When our digestion is proper and our bowels cleared.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">This may sound absurd to you as it had to me when I met the nice doctor, but that line has stuck in my head ever since, and over the five years after that I have realized the truth of that statement. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If our bowels do not clear, toxins remain and spread in our body, increasing negativity which leads to diseases and unhappiness. And so, we must ensure that our digestion is good and elimination even better. This can be done by not overstuffing our stomachs and by eating fresh, natural and healthy food and regular intervals. This also means not to starve the body.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">One very simple thing you can inculcate in your daily routine is:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEaD9DkyYMI/AAAAAAAAABk/widXdTLMHCQ/s1600/Glass-of-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEaD9DkyYMI/AAAAAAAAABk/widXdTLMHCQ/s320/Glass-of-water.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Drink 2 glasses of warm (not hot) water first thing every morning. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Warm water helps clear the digestive tract</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It thus helps cure constipation, acidity and other digestive problems.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It hydrates the body after the long fast over the night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">And it also detoxifies the body. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It also keeps your kidneys healthy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been doing this since the last two and a half years and my digestion has improved tremendously. In fact, now when I eat something wrong, I can immediately and clearly make out what effect it has on my stomach. Even if I like that particular food item very much, the feeling I get after eating it is so horrible that I automatically get over it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think it is a boon. Imagine a pristine white sheet and then imagine a small speck of dust on it. Obviously that speck of dust will stand out more clearly on that sheet than an already dirty off-white sheet. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It is the same with a healthy diet and clear digestive tract. The stomach doesn’t get more sensitive, you just notice more than you could before. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">So I sincerely hope that you try this simple exercise every day and see the difference for yourself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Please note: Most of you may not be used to drinking warm water and so you may find it difficult to drink even 1 glass in the morning. But I suggest you drink how much you can and then slowly, as your body gets used to it (which it will- trust me), you can increase the quantity slowly to 2 glasses. You don’t need to drink more than 2 glasses. </span></div>ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880942406692535018.post-43580450734331655862010-07-19T15:42:00.001+05:302010-07-19T16:02:21.765+05:30Laziness- the biggest obstacle to spirituality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEQpAt4IwZI/AAAAAAAAABU/XcQ0rwrQAQ0/s1600/laziness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEQpAt4IwZI/AAAAAAAAABU/XcQ0rwrQAQ0/s400/laziness1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As you can see, I haven't written a blog post for some time now. It was not for the lack of a subject to write.<br /><br />In fact, every waking, sleeping, walking and talking moment I find another interesting thing to write about and I file that topic away into the list in my head. But that is the main problem. We have a habit of filing things away for later use and then sometimes we never end up using it.<br /><br />I suffer from this habit a lot. Just last week, I decided that I will be very regular in my Asana practices. My body has become unusually stiff and it needs oiling. But I ended up actually practicing asanas only on two of those days. <br /><br />Since childhood, my problem has been laziness. I was lazy when doing my homework, lazy when it came to walking (till I was 5 years old, I forced my parents to carry me everywhere we went). I even used to be lazy when it came to brushing my teeth.<br /><br />Thankfully, I'm not <i>that</i> lazy anymore. I can assure you I am clean and so are my teeth. Still, when it came to writing this blog, I became a victim of the old habit again. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEQpiwCozwI/AAAAAAAAABc/Sgrv8af2KeY/s1600/patanjali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WwvpuzQ4fEw/TEQpiwCozwI/AAAAAAAAABc/Sgrv8af2KeY/s320/patanjali.jpg" /></a></div><br />Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1.30 also talks about laziness as being one of the obstacles on the path of Yoga. <br /><br />Sutra 1.30 says that d<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 12pt;">isease, languor, doubt, indecision, carelessness, laziness, sensuality (i.e. hankering after objects), erroneous perception and instability are the obstacles on the path of Yoga. </span><br /><br />Over the past two years I have been struggling in my fight against laziness and doubt, which have prevented me from regular disciplined practice of Yoga and prevented me from believing completely in the Yoga principles, my gurus and myself. <br /><br />During this struggle I found three solutions to overcome my laziness.<br /><br />1. Laziness is due to an excess of Tamasic (dull) state. There are 3 gunas- Rajas, Tamas and Sattva (which I will explain in a later post). To overcome the tamasic state and get into the positive Sattvic state, I made some diet changes, like having freshly cooked, natural food and positive thinking.<br /><br />2. I forced myself to practice asanas. I made a vow that I would not eat my next meal untill I did me asanas. I had to force myself for a few days, but then the body started craving asanas on its own and I did not have to force myself. Asanas became natural.<br /><br />3. I stopped planning and started doing. I used to think "I'll do asanas in the afternoon". In the afternoon I'd think "I'll do them in the evening." I kept planning but did nothing. Now, in the morning, I do not give my mind time to think. I just slide out of my bed and onto the mat on the floor and start with my asanas.<br /><br />So if you are feeling lazy today, don't give in to the monkey mind. Zip its mouth shut and do your thing.ankitashahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583203713972894202noreply@blogger.com0